Distro watch
What’s behind the free software sofa?
EMMABUNTUS DE4 1.00
The latest release of this Debian-based distro has now been released. Based on Debian 11 Bullseye, it comes with the Xfce and LXQt desktop environment. The project is designed to encourage humanitarian organisations to switch to Linux, enabling them to avoid paying licence fees and extending the lifespans of older PCs. There’s a new-look theme, plus a renovated logo, and many proprietary apps such as TeamViewer and Skype have been replaced by open-source alternatives (DWService and Jami, respectively). Find out more at https://bit.ly/lxf282emma.
SPARKYLINUX 2021.09
This lightweight Debian-based distro has a new version out, based on Debian’s ‘Bookworm’ testing release. Repositories have been updated, there are new backgrounds and a login manager, and the Linux kernel is now 5.10.46 (though 5.14.6 & 5.15-rc1 are available in the Sparky unstable repos if you’re feeling brave). If you’re running the semi-rolling branch of SparkyLinux then you don’t need to reinstall. To find out more about this version, head over to the release announcement at https://bit.ly/lxf282sparky.
EXTIX 21.9
ExTiX is a Deepin-based distro, and the latest version is now available to download. This new version lets you run the entire distro from RAM (provided your machine has enough, of course), and the installer has been changed to the Reborn version of the Deepin Installer. The kernel has been changed from 5.12.4-exton with kernel 5.14.2exton. VirtualBox Guest Additions are now pre-installed, along with Spotify and Skype, and there are numerous other tweaks and changes. For the full list, head over to https://bit.ly/lxf282extix.
WHONIX 16
Whonix 16 is the latest major update for this Debianbased distro. As with other Debian-based Linux flavours, Whonix 16 is now based on Debian 11, along with all the new packages that introduces. A range of security features has also been added and expanded, including Hardened Malloc Kicksecure (HMK), Linux Kernel Runtime Guard (LKRG) and more. Whonix is designed to allow people to use the internet securely and privately, so these additions will definitely be welcome. Find out more at https://bit.ly/lxf282whonix.